LATE night shoppers can wave goodbye to free car parking after 7pm, come the New Year.

Bromsgrove District Council's executive cabinet agreed to extend the charging period for the all its car parks as of February 1.

All council car parks currently charge from between 8am and 7pm, however under the new scheme motorists will have to cough up until 10pm.

This could stop residents from enjoying a spot of late night shopping at ASDA supermarket, or from having a meal at a town pub or restaurant.

Members of the cabinet agreed this new scheme should be implemented in the New Year and also recommended a further attendant would be needed to cover the extended car parking hours.

"We currently have two staff but we could consider taking on a third," said John Moody, the council's head of community safety engineering.

And council leader Councillor Dennis Norton (St John's) suggested closing the new multi-million-pound car park in Churchfields during quieter shopping periods.

"What is the point of having two car parks half full when we are having to pay for attendants?" he asked.

"We could close off the Churchfields car park and just have the car park open at Recreation Road South."

However, John Moody disagreed. "We have spent a long time planning this car park and we do not want to start closing it. We have to look to be consistent."

Cllr Norton replied: "I am just thinking of saving money."

Cllr Roger Hollingworth (Alvechurch) said: "On this occasion I have to agree with Mr Moody. We should be seen to be consistent."